Motörhead guitarist Eddie Clarke has died aged 67

Former Motörhead guitarist Eddie Clarke, the last surviving member of the band's iconic Seventies and early Eighties line-up, has died aged 67.

Clarke died in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia, according to a statement released on the band's Facebook page.

"We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight ... Edward Allan Clarke - or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke - passed away peacefully yesterday," the statement said.

"Ted Carroll, who formed Chiswick Records, made the sad announcement via his Facebook page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia.

Clarke played on Motörhead's 1977 debut, and on their next four releases between 1979 and 1982, including classic album Ace of Spades. He departed the trio after the release of 1982's Iron Fist. Singer-bassist Lemmy and drummer Phil Taylor both passed away in 2015.

Following his departure from Motörhead, Clarke formed the band Fastway which featured Dublin-born Flogging Molly frontman Dave King on vocals. Clarke lived in Ireland for a period in the 1980s.

Phil Campbell, who joined the band as a guitarist in 1984, said: "Just heard the sad news that 'Fast' Eddie Clarke has passed away. Such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was a true rock n roller. RIP Eddie."

Swedish musician Mikkey Dee, the drummer from rock band The Scorpions, and a member of Motörhead from 1992 to 2015, said: "This is terrible news, the last of the three amigos.

Eddie Clarke, image via Facebook/Fast Eddie Clarke Official

"I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape. So this is a complete shock. Me and Eddie always hit it off great."

"I was looking forward to seeing him in the UK this summer when we [are] around with the Scorps... Now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I'm sure you'll hear them, so watch out!!!

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